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Show Tips on saving energy during winter months By DENNIS HINKAMP Consumer Information Writer Utah State University LOGAN Perhaps you were banking on global warming to dramatically dra-matically reduce your heating bills. Well, this harsher than expected winter and the increased fuel costs have probably dashed your hopes. It's not too late to salvage some of this year's utility bills while at the same time reducing your probable prob-able energy costs for this summer Put an insulating blanket on your water heater for year-round savings. Install a timed thermostat on your heating system that automatically sets back the temperature at night and during work hours and turns it up before you wake in the morning. Windows and doors are the prime sources of drafts and heat loss. Consider more energy-efficient energy-efficient window treatments such as quilted shades or cornices that you can construct at home. and next winter. According to Dr. Leon a Hawks, housing and interiors specialist in the Utah State University College of Family Life, the following are some no, low or moderate cost options. op-tions. No Cost: Window management: Let the sun in in southeast to southwest facing fac-ing windows whenever possible during the day and close drapes or shutters at night to keep the heat in. Thermostat management: Turn down the water heater to 120 degree (140 if you use a dishwasher). Turn your furnace thermostat down at night and when you are away. Seal off rooms that are not in use. Seal off heat escape points: Close and seal fireplaces and wood stoves when not in use. Avoid using fireplaces on cold days because in most cases more heat goes out the chimney than the fire gives off. Minimize your use of bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans; they pull heat outside. Make sure heat vents are not obstructed by curtains or furniture. Low Cost: Weather stripping and caulking: caulk-ing: This is a good time of year to feel around your windows, doors and walls for air leaks. Heat escapes in many ways that aren't as obvious as windows and doors. Look for leaks where pipes, cable TV and antenna wires enter the house and fill the gaps with caulking material. Buy air deflectors for heat vents to more efficiently send the heat (or air conditioning in the summer) into the room. Install flow restrictors on shower heads and reduce hot water consumption by 40-60 percent per shower. Install plastic or foam insulators in-sulators behind all your light switch and electrical outlet plates. Install a clothes dryer exhaust vent diverter that allows hot air to vent into the house during the winter and outside during the summer. Tape closed all leaking joints in heating ducts. Replace air filters in forced air heating systems. Moderate Cost: m |